San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan knows first-hand why Cam Newton’s sexist comment was a complete embarrassment.
While appearing on KNBR’s “Murph and Mac” show, Shanahan pointed out the 49ers’ coaching staff includes Katie Sowers. Matt Maiocco of NBS5 passed along what Shanahan said:
“We definitely have a woman who talks about routes all the time.”
Sowers played professionally in the Women’s Football Alliance before interning with the Atlanta Falcons in 2016. She joined the 49ers this summer and worked with the wide receivers during training camp as part of the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship, ultimately earning a full-time role.
According to Chris Biderman of Niners Wire, Shanahan said in August that hiring Sowers was a “pretty easy decision.” He added that Mike LaFleur, the wide receivers coach, told him “she helps me a lot” and asked if there was any way to keep her on staff.
So, yeah, she should be talking about routes.
And it’s not the least bit funny.
Newton eventually apologized for his poor attempt at humor, but he’s already lost a sponsorship and plenty of fans in the days following. The comment was entirely unnecessary and degrading to women, particularly those in coaching positions at any level and the sports media profession.
Sowers, who is listed as a Seasonal Offensive Assistant, is the second woman in NFL history to hold a full-time on-field coaching role. The other, Kathryn Smith, was a special teams quality control coach for the Buffalo Bills under Rex Ryan.